Fish have long memories

Bob I · #1 09-22-2002, 03:00 PM

I often state that fish have brains the size of a pea, and one should not attribute human feelings to them. I still stand behind that statement. I have found, however, that fish have long memories. I have two Ocellaris clowns that have been in my tank for more than two years. During that time they lived in a Conch shell. I recently acquired a BTA, and today I put the clowns with their shell into the tank with the BTA. Within the hour they were into that BTA. They still visit the shell, but show a distinct preference for the BTA. :D

AJ_77 · #2 09-22-2002, 05:14 PM

Dunno Bob, but my new Hammer coral has proven irresistable to the larger Ocellaris, which was considered tank-raised by us both. Now I am wondering - the smaller clown cannot get near the Hammer. Happily, neither can the cleaner shrimp now - who was it that warned me months ago that they are obnoxious gluttons? ;)

Cheers,

Alan

[ 22 September 2002, 13:16: Message edited by: AJ_77 ]

EmilyB · #3 09-22-2002, 05:26 PM

Nice to know they don't think it's b#tt ugly :D

Bob I · #4 09-22-2002, 06:04 PM

Well now B##tt Ugly has proven to be irresistible (that last word chased me to the dictionary) to my clowns, but then they had not seen an anemone for more than two years. I'll have to get over to Deb's with some money in hand. :D :D

EmilyB · #5 09-22-2002, 06:30 PM

As I have said on more than one occasion Bob, drop the cheque in the mail. I know you will be kind enough to do so ;)

AJ_77 · #6 09-22-2002, 08:15 PM

Now that I have you both here:
I must drop by Bob's with his PC bulbs, and I also owe EmilyB some cash. I will stop by Bob's with the bulbs, pick up his money, drop both of our moneys off at Em's, and make us all happy in one trip. How about tomorrow evening?

As to the Topic at hand, it is fascinating to watch my ocellaris female take up residence in and around that Hammer from EmilyB. Thanks again, this is the first sign of such behaviour from the clowns. Very cool.

Alan

robert · #7 09-23-2002, 04:38 AM

... or genetically engraved instincts. ;)

[ 22 September 2002, 12:39: Message edited by: pirate ]

Bob I · #8 09-23-2002, 04:41 AM

Instinct is possible, but how does that explain tank bred clowns often do not pay attention to anemones, or anything else their wild caught brethren seem to do naturally? It leads me to believe that it is all learned behavior. :confused: